1974 BMW R90S, Frame no. 4950338 Engine no. 4950338
1974 BMW R90S
Frame no. 4950338
Engine no. 4950338
Heading the new /6 line-up, the R90S shattered forever the perception that BMW motorcycles as staid and stodgy touring machines. It represented a new direction, combining innovative styling, class-leading performance, and supreme refinement. BMW's first superbike? And for the only time in the history of BMW production motorcycles [until 2008 and the S1000RR], the R90S's performance was comparable to that of any motorcycle produced in Japan, Italy or England. In 1976 a race-prepared R90S, ridden by Reg Pridmore won the Daytona 200 and the AMA Superbike championship
Released in October 1973 the R90S was the pioneer and it remains the classic post-1970 boxer. The impetus behind it was one Bob Lutz, the American-born, then BMW sales director, with ex-Ford stylist, Hans A. Muth. If nothing else it was a styling tour de force. With its twin front disc brakes, racing-style seat, megaphone-shaped silencers and cockpit fairing, the R90S looked like no BMW before it, and the air-brushed 'smoke' custom finish to tank, seat and fairing meant that no two examples left the factory exactly alike.
This particular 'middle year' example is incredibly blessed. It's an original example complete with ride-off stand, its tool kit, and an engine, transmission, and chassis all of which are in fine shape. The seller, the second owner, bought the bike with the gold stick-on tape pinstriping in a 'terrible mess'. He found that the only way to clean up the mess was to re-paint the tank, apply the appropriate tape, complete with 'correct" square ends, and clear coat it; the only diversion from perfectly stock motorcycle. But does it ever look good?
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1974 BMW R90S
Frame no. 4950338
Engine no. 4950338
Heading the new /6 line-up, the R90S shattered forever the perception that BMW motorcycles as staid and stodgy touring machines. It represented a new direction, combining innovative styling, class-leading performance, and supreme refinement. BMW's first superbike? And for the only time in the history of BMW production motorcycles [until 2008 and the S1000RR], the R90S's performance was comparable to that of any motorcycle produced in Japan, Italy or England. In 1976 a race-prepared R90S, ridden by Reg Pridmore won the Daytona 200 and the AMA Superbike championship
Released in October 1973 the R90S was the pioneer and it remains the classic post-1970 boxer. The impetus behind it was one Bob Lutz, the American-born, then BMW sales director, with ex-Ford stylist, Hans A. Muth. If nothing else it was a styling tour de force. With its twin front disc brakes, racing-style seat, megaphone-shaped silencers and cockpit fairing, the R90S looked like no BMW before it, and the air-brushed 'smoke' custom finish to tank, seat and fairing meant that no two examples left the factory exactly alike.
This particular 'middle year' example is incredibly blessed. It's an original example complete with ride-off stand, its tool kit, and an engine, transmission, and chassis all of which are in fine shape. The seller, the second owner, bought the bike with the gold stick-on tape pinstriping in a 'terrible mess'. He found that the only way to clean up the mess was to re-paint the tank, apply the appropriate tape, complete with 'correct" square ends, and clear coat it; the only diversion from perfectly stock motorcycle. But does it ever look good?
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
